The delivery of the pianos, including a 9ft concert grand piano, two grand pianos and sixteen uprights, signals the start of a partnership between the school and Yamaha

Nineteen new pianos arrive at Leighton Park School including a 9ft concert grand. Pictures and video by Katie Lamb

A school in Shinfield Road was given the key to musical success today when 19 pianos were delivered.

The delivery of the pianos, including a 9ft concert grand piano, two grand pianos and sixteen uprights, signals the start of a partnership between the Leighton Park School and Yamaha, under a Music Education Partner scheme.

The headmaster Nigel Williams, Director of Music Rosemary Scales and David Halford Yamaha Europe’s Business Development Manager for the Music Education Partner programme were all at the school today to see the pianos arrive.

Leighton Park students are actively encouraged to develop their musical talents and interests through performing, technical support and production.

Award-winning singer-songwriter Laura Marling was a pupil at the school before releasing her debut album Alas, I Cannot Swim.

The Quaker school was looking to replace its pianos and wanted to find a partner equally passionate about making music accessible for all, irrespective of individual capabilities.

The delivery of the new pianos coincided with the start of the 125th anniversary celebrations of the school.

The concert grand piano was personally selected at Yamaha’s European HQ in Hamburg in June by Leighton Park’s Director of Music with the assistance of Julian Joseph, the pianist, band leader, composer, arranger and broadcaster.

Mr Joseph said: "I was thrilled to be invited to help the school select the pianos that best suited the demanding and varied musical settings of their musical education curriculum; inspiring school, inspiring teaching and now inspiring instruments.”